Exploratory Device Scientist - Platform Architecture

Apple, Inc.; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 278,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation

Discretionary stock programs

Education reimbursement

Bonus potential

Job summary

Apple Inc. is seeking an Exploratory Device Scientist for Platform Architecture in Cupertino. You will drive hands-on research in photonics, electronics, and nano-scale device concepts to advance future Apple systems.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to model, prototype, and validate devices, balancing novelty with tangible value. The role emphasizes deep knowledge of device physics, fabrication, and computational integration, with potential for leadership in a world‑leading

Qualifications

• Experience setting up lab equipment and building new lab equipment.
• Experience in research process development, fabricating and characterizing photonic devices.
• Experience in modeling and designing photonic and electronic devices including using new materials.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, analyze, and optimize new concepts and devices for future Apple systems.
• Model optical device interactions with computational systems to understand performance.
• Design, prototype, and characterize resulting devices and systems.
• Communicate plans and results through meetings, reports, and presentations.
• Push beyond traditional boundaries to apply new ideas while delivering value.
• Learn new concepts quickly and manage competing demands in a research setting.

Skills

Lab equipment setup

Photonic device fabrication

Photonic/electronic device modeling

Materials science knowledge

Python programming

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Self-motivation

Education

PhD in electro-optical or nanoscale devices or materials science

Tools

Python

Lab test rigs

Job description

Exploratory Device Scientist - Platform Architecture

Cupertino, California, United States Hardware

Imagine what you could do here. At Apple, new insights have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Multifaceted, inquisitive people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it. Join us to help deliver the next groundbreaking Apple product. Do you love working on challenges that no one has solved yet? As a member of our dynamic group, you will have the outstanding and phenomenal opportunity to craft upcoming products that will delight and encourage millions of Apple’s customers every single day. Apple’s Exploratory Design Group (XDG) has an opening for unusually curious, inquiring and critical device scientists and engineers with a breadth of knowledge encompassing aspects of device design across photonic, electronic and/or electromechanical/optomechanical design as well as development of nano manufacturing concepts for novel devices. Working with world-leading and renowned cross-functional experts at Apple, you will leverage your deep knowledge of device structure, physics and fabrication to design, model, prototype and innovate at all levels.

Description

In this role, you will drive engineering innovation through hands‑on research to conceive, model, and evolve emerging concepts and devices for future Apple systems. Leveraging a broad knowledge of photonics, physics, and engineering, you will build a deep quantitative understanding of how optical devices interact with computational systems to optimize their performance. You will balance the risks of novel exploration with delivering tangible value in a fast‑paced, multidisciplinary research environment.

Responsibilities

• Conceive, analyze, model, optimize, and evolve new and emerging concepts and devices for future Apple systems.
• Utilize device modeling skills to build deep, quantitative understanding of optical device interactions with computational systems.
• Participate in the design, prototyping, and characterization of resulting devices and systems.
• Communicate plans and technical results effectively through team meetings, written reports, and presentations to wider teams and management.
• Look beyond traditional boundaries for new applications and balance the risk of novelty against delivering value.
• Learn new concepts quickly to the right level of detail and manage competing demands within an engineering research setting.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience setting up lab equipment, including building new lab equipment to test new concepts.
• Experience in research process development, fabricating and characterizing photonic devices.
• Experience in modeling and designing photonic and electronic devices including using new materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years relevant industry experience.
• PhD in an electro‑optical or nanoscale‑devices or material‑science‑of‑devices related field.
• Experience in managing medium to small teams in a research setting.
• Significant hands‑on experience in setting up research laboratory test rigs for nanoscale device test from scratch.
• Deep understanding of materials physics at the nanoscale and principles of nanoscale devices and their fabrication.
• Expertise in Python or at least one modern general purpose scientific programming language.
• Enthusiasm for learning new fields and taking on new challenges and a track record of collaborative innovation.
• Strong background in analytical thinking, a self‑starter with excellent interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic to deliver exploratory research at world‑leading levels for the benefit of Apple.

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Benefits

• You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition.
• Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.

Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant

At Apple, we believe accessibility is a fundamental human right. You'll find that idea reflected in everything here - in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.

Learn about accessibility in Apple's workplace

Learn about reasonable accommodations for job applicants

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.